Protests Erupt in Berlin and Cologne over abortion Rights
Berlin/Cologne, Germany – September 20, 2025 – Demonstrations for and against abortion rights took place today in Berlin and cologne, drawing thousands of participants and highlighting the ongoing debate over Germany’s restrictive abortion laws.
In both cities, the “March for Life” protests, organized by the anti-abortion group Bundesverband Lebensrecht (BVL) – Federal Association for the right too Life – saw an estimated 5,000 participants each. Catholic bishops were among those joining the demonstrations, with Regensburg Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer and Berlin Auxiliary Bishop Matthias Heinrich participating in the Berlin march. The chairman of the Catholic german Bishops’ Conference, georg Bätzing, also sent a message of support to participants.
Counterprotests were held in response, with approximately 2,000 registered participants in Berlin and 1,000 in Cologne.
The BVL, comprised of 15 anti-abortion groups, has been a consistent voice against liberalizing Germany’s abortion laws. Currently, abortion is illegal in Germany except when the life of the pregnant person is at risk. Though, it is indeed not punishable as a crime during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if the individual receives mandatory counseling.
The involvement of Catholic figures in the “March for Life” has previously generated internal debate within the church, due to the frequent presence of far-right activists and parties at the events.
Leftist parties continue to advocate for a liberalization of abortion laws,but have so far faced staunch opposition from conservative factions. These protests arrive amid renewed political attention to the issue, as various groups push for changes to the existing legal framework.
